Sports Illustrated Rodeo Daily
NCHA Awards First-Ever Loper of the Year
Ella Blazek is awarded the first-ever Loper of the Year title at the NCHA Metallic Cat World Championship Futurity.
By Jenna Link
Brad Pryor, president and founder of Rafter P Construction, a leading design-build construction company in the farm and ranch industry, has instituted the Rafter P Loper of the Year award with the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA). The $5,000 cash prize, custom Gist buckle, and Rafter P gift basket went to Ella Blazek, who was recognized as the first-ever recipient of the award at the NCHA Metallic Cat World Championship Futurity on Nov. 11, 2023.
Hunter Herrin Tops Tie-Down Roping Round 8
Herrin muscled through a slow-handling calf to win the round.
By Laura Motley Lambert
Big and soggy is how you can describe the calves in Round 8. The calf ropers saw these calves in Rounds 2 and 5, so they all knew what was ahead of them. The big man from Apache, Okla., Hunter Herrin just muscled through the slow handling calf to be a quick 7.4 seconds, which was good enough for first.
Trio of NFR Vets Share Round 8 Win in Saddle Bronc
Defending champion Zeke Thurston was among the riders that claimed the win in Las Vegas.
By Matthew Postins
Round 8 of saddle bronc at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas at the Thomas & Mack Center ended up in a three-way tie between Brody Cress, Sage Newman and Zeke Thurston.
In the eliminator pen round, featuring some of the toughest broncs in the event, all three riders finished with an 87.5-point ride, finishing just ahead of Wyatt Casper, who had an 87-point ride.
Men's Journal Cowboy Culture
How to Care For Your Leather Cowboy Boots
Defending champion Zeke Thurston was among the riders that claimed the win in Las Vegas.
By Jenna Link
Leather cowboy boots are an investment that, with proper care and maintenance, can last for years to come. These boots are renowned for their durability, sturdiness, and high-quality construction, making them a favorite among boot enthusiasts. To ensure that your leather cowboy boots remain in top condition, it is essential to follow a regular maintenance routine.
Here's a comprehensive guide on how to care for your leather cowboy boots:
Ky Hamilton is Cowboy To the Core
Ky Hamilton proves cowboy are tough through and through.
By Laura Lambert
If you ever had a question, and it would be hard to if you follow the sport very closely, but if you question the toughness of cowboys, Ky Hamilton should have cleared it up. In Round No. 5 of the Wrangler National Finals Hamilton was hit in the chest by Honeycutt Rodeo’s “Bales Hay’s MAGA” and remained motionless on the arena floor.
Country Music Star Cody Johnson Takes on Team Roping Finale in Las Vegas
Country music star Cody Johnson competes in World Series Team Roping Finale in Las Vegas, Nev.
By Madi Roelofsen
December is a big month for rodeo in Las Vegas, Nev., with the National Finals Rodeo taking place at the Thomas & Mack arena. The event offers over $11 million in cash prizes and world titles to the best rodeo performers.